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B-Happy! B-Knowledgeable! Are You Getting Enough B’s?

If you want to experience a major difference in your emotional state and your energy level, just make sure you are feeding your brain and your body enough B complex vitamins.Years ago, doctors used to offer their patients a shot of vitamin B 12, if their energy level started dropping. However, this is not exactly the way to go. There are about eight B vitamins that work synergistically to keep the brain and body in balance. So, if a person gets an overdose of B-12 it increases the need for the other vitamins of the B Family Complex. If one doesn’t get the rest of the B-Complex, it will create an imbalance leading to physical and mental disturbances.

Everyone knows how important B-12 is. If one doesn’t get enough, one can wind up with pernicious anemia and some very major health problems. Few really understand how important the whole B Complex is. If good health is important, you have to learn more about the entire B-Complex. You may have noticed on food ingredient lists that certain foods contained B vitamins, but can we depend on these processed foods to contain specific amounts, after they have been processed? If you knew that high temperatures wiped out most vitamins, would you trust that you are getting enough, when you eat heat-processed foods? Many are told that only animal foods contain B12, but no one I know eats raw meat – and dairy is pasteurized at 200 degrees; and is not a recommended food source. It contains too much protein and fat.

It’s interesting to know mankind used to get B-12 from ingesting dirt. People throughout history weren’t so dirt-phobic or germ conscious, as they are today. Yes, this dirt that mankind consumed had a factor in it, which produced B12. So, today people eat animals, which get their B-12 from the dirt that they happen to ingest with their food. Are eating animals and animal products the best method for getting B12? If people ate more organically grown produce, coming from farms that they could trust; and didn’t wash these foods so as to remove all dirt; it would be a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, how many know where and how their foods are being grown. We can’t assume that all soils contain B12 factor.

Since I don’t eat meat or healthy dirt and eggs don’t have enough B12, I use a B-12 supplement. The container has a sprayer, so it can be used sublingually. When it comes in the form of s spray, it is easier for the B-12 to get directly into the bloodstream. It is absorbed through the lining of the mouth and does not have to go through the stomach’s digestive fluids. Some people say that the best form of B12 is methylcobalamin. I asked for guidance and I’m using cyanocobalamin. It works for me. I have no symptoms of B12 deficiency. I am using Dr. Mercola’s B12 spray.

It’s important for everyone (even people who eat animal products) to know what symptoms can occur, if one is not getting enough Vitamin B12.A deficiency can occur in non-vegetarians, too. As people age their bodies lack the ability to assimilate nutrients from their foods, as well. Some of the main symptoms from lack of B-12 and the other B vitamins as well, are neurological problems. Think senility! Think cantankerous! Did you ever wonder what is creating so many mental illnesses today? The following are some of the states induced by B-vitamin deficiency: behavior disorders, lack of concentration, confusion, dementia, depression, fatigue, poor memory, and paranoia. Doctors need to bone up on nutrition; and treat patients with vitamins, not drugs.

The B Vitamins work in conjunction with each other. There are eight main ones: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12. They’re all considered necessary.For example, B1 (Thiamine) is very important in preventing a serious disease called beriberi, causing weight loss and mental confusion; B2 (riboflavin) prevents many serious skin disorders; B3 (niacin) along with tryptophan (an amino acid) prevents pellagra, which causes mental problems, skin problems, diarrhea, and more. B5(pantothenic acid)deficiency may cause skin disorders; B6 (pyridoxine) deficiency can cause anemia, mental disorders, high blood pressure, water retention, and elevated levels of homocysteine;B7 (biotin) may not cause symptoms in adults, but it can cause impaired growth and neurological disorders in infants; B9 (folic acid) deficiency results in diarrhea, depression, macrocytic anemia, a swollen red tongue, and elevated homocysteine. It is recommended that women, even before they get pregnant should be using B9; and pregnant women need B9 to prevent neural tube defects in their developing fetus. Finally, B12 (cobalamin) deficiency results in macrocytic anemia, elevated homocysteine, peripheral neuropathy, memory loss and other cognitive disorders. It is most likely to occur in elderly people, through poor absorption or lack of B12 in their foods.

The Doctors’ newsletters I subscribe to, concur it’s most important to buy vitamins from reputable manufacturers, which produce quality products.Doctors have recommended Solgar. I have checked out many supplements and found Solgar to be a top manufacturer of specific vitamins, such as, B Complex vitamins. I also utilize many other vitamins and amino acids they produce. I like their B vitamins, because they don’t contain gluten, wheat, soy, yeast, sugar; sodium, artificial flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, color, and are dairy-free; suitable for vegetarians. I have used Solgar supplements for years. I’d recommend buying them through www.vitacost.com as they discount their supplements; and ship them free for a certain low expenditure.

B vitamins are water-soluble, and go right through the body and any excess will exit in the urine. Most B vitamins need to be replenished regularly. The urine is noticeably more bright green-yellow, when one is using B vitamins. There are no upper limits for B1, B2, B5, B7 and B12. B3 can cause side effects, if one uses over 1000 mg/day without being medically supervised. However, some doctors are using 2000 mg daily to treat arterial plaque development. B6intake of more than 1000 mg/day has been associated with peripheral sensory neuropathy. B9 should not be taken without using B12 and the rest of the B complex; or it could mask B12 deficiency. This means everyone needs the whole B complex.

People are sometimes fearful of taking vitamins, because of information they have read. I think it’s wise to question the source of this information.My bookshelves are loaded with books from many reputable sources…and I have yet to find any sincere health researchers who are warning people to totally avoid supplements. Supplements are not to be utilized in place of nutritious food. They simply fill in the gaps, which are caused by the society we live in today. It’s a fact: our soils are deficient. For years they have only received some cheap fertilizers, which did not contain all the nutrients that are supposed to be returned to our soil. How many large agribusinesses are using compost? Usually, three cheap substances are added back, but there are over 100 nutrients that are missing.

It’s a fact: There is a time gap between harvest and travel time to the food processor or the marketplace. Food deteriorates in nutritional value within a very short time, after being harvested. Next, processing food wipes out a great deal of its value. It does not have the full component which is supposed to be in it, even if it was grown organically. Thirdly, after it is purchased and taken to the home, most food is cooked. Our whole society is hooked on the taste of processed foods loaded with unnatural ingredients to enhance its flavor. Many people can’t eat a bite without using additional condiments. What is left nutrition-wise, after all these procedures occur? Not much! I aim for as much raw food as possible, but I still believe in using supplements. I would rather produce expensive urine than suffer health problems.

B Vitamins play an important role in the health of the human body. It’s amazing to think what the world would be like, if every one used them.Be aware of the different functions they effect:

1) The B Complex vitamins support energy and increase the rate of metabolism.

2) The B vitamins help maintain healthy skin, hair and good muscle tone.

3) The B vitamins enhance the function of the immune system and nervous system

5) B’s reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer, when consumed in the right foods.

6) The B complex enhances cardiovascular health and reduces stress

7) B vitamins are needed in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein.

What foods contain B vitamins? Foods that don’t need processing and are eaten raw. B vitamins are heat-sensitive; destroyed by high temperatures..Organic raw greens contain good amounts of B vitamins. Raw, unprocessed fruits also contain B vitamins, too. Bananas are rich in B6 and many other nutrients. The quality of the food is more important than a large variety. Certified organic eggs coming from the right source can be cooked lightly or added raw to smoothies. A small amount of wild-caught sea food lightly cooked or in some cases eaten raw contains B vitamins. Raw nuts, such as, almonds and walnuts have B’s; need to be eaten in small quantities of an ounce or less. These quality foods, along with fruits and vegetables would produce a far superior level of health than what most people are experiencing today. There are many fruits and vegetables people are eating, which are thought to be healthy. However, if people eat a simple fruit or vegetable; not designed for the human species; it causes a negative reaction internally. This is why I am only mentioning foods, which I know have merit.

People need to realize it’s far better for one’s health to eat six small meals daily; rather than three larger ones.This keeps the blood sugar level stable.The more raw food you eat, the more B vitamins you will obtain. This along with adequate supplementation, will ensure a fully functioning body and brain. One’s happiness quotient is sure to be raised by feeding the brain and body right.

Healthfully Yours,

Barbara Charis

P.S. Not To Be Missed: Cancer Control Convention at the Sheraton Universal Hotel, Sept 1, 2 and 3. See: www.cancercontrolsociety.com for a list of speakers, topics and times. Many exhibitors with interesting health products.

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